For Non Physics Majors
Physics Is Important for Non Physics Majors Too!
Physics is the scientific underpinning for all engineering work and is therefore considered by prospective engineers, almost without exception, to be a subject which merits serious study. Physics is also an indispensible part of the WPI first year experience for most students, introducing them during their first term to the WPI system of high-intensity 7 week terms, while working to enhance their grasp of key concepts such as the use of vector-valued and complex-valued quantities in problem solving.
The Elementary Physics Sequence
The elementary physics sequence at WPI encompasses the subject areas of classical mechanics (PH 1110/PH 1111), electricity and magnetism (PH 1120/ PH 1121), 20th century physics (PH 1130), and oscillation and wave phenomena (PH 1140). The sequence is designed to be taken either in the pattern PH 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, or PH 1111, 1121, 1130, 1140, although other orderings are possible, depending on special circumstances.
The first two courses in this sequence are offered in two versions because of the diversity of backgrounds and preparation of entering students. PH 1111 and PH 1121 are aimed primarily at freshmen with a solid background in the sciences and in mathematics, including calculus. In particular, students in PH 1111 and PH 1121 should be able to differentiate and integrate elementary trigonometric and polynomial functions, and to interpret these operations in graphical form. PH 1110 and PH 1120 are taught at a mathematically less demanding level and are designed for students concurrently beginning their study of calculus, having had little or no college-level calculus preparation in high school.
The courses in classical mechanics and electricity and magnetism are regarded as essential preparation for many fundamental engineering courses as well as for further work in physics.PH 1130 gives a first introduction to 20th century physics: the theory of relativity, quantum physics, nuclear physics and elementary particles. It is designed to provide a context for the appreciation of present-day advances in physics and high-technology applications. PH 1140 deals in depth with oscillations and waves. Engineering applications of this subject reach all the way from LC circuits and electromagnetic wave propagation in electrical engineering to the vibrations of large scale structures such as machinery and highway bridges in mechanical engineering and civil engineering.
More Advanced Courses of General Interest
There are several intermediate physics courses that may be of interest to nonphysics majors. PH 2201-2202 give a physicist's view of mechanics which to mechanical engineering majors may be an interesting and useful complement to the engineering courses in statics and dynamics. The physics courses in quantum mechanics, PH 3401-3402, and solid state physics, PH 3502, may be of great interest to electrical engineering students specializing in solid state electronics. The courses in electromagnetic field theory, PH 2301 and PH 3301, and optics, PH 3504, would provide a valuable background for students in many areas, such as modern communication systems, fiber optics and optical computing.
Astrophysics and Other Fun Courses
There are also some new general interest courses such as astrophysics, PH2520, and physics of the solar system, PH250X. These are just examples; other courses are also available and announced from time to time. For specific information on individual courses, students may consult with the course instructor or with the Physics Department head.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: July 01, 2008 17:25:09